Whitehead said, to her understanding, there was no requirement for listed structures “to be in operation”, but just “simply maintained”.

“I would argue both operation and maintenance are equally significant for structures such as the Scenic Railway,” she said, adding the operation of a listed structure was “integral” to its heritage function and relevance.

Whitehead said: “We are being advised by Dreamland the health and safety executive has specified the track needs to be inspected daily to remain in use.”

“If Dreamland isn’t proposing any change of use or to the structure, the council has no role,” TDC said.